Shingles, the common name for the virus varicella zoster, is introduced to our system along with chickenpox. Most people carry this virus and it stays dormant; but for 10 - 20 percent of the population, it erupts during weakened immunity or increased anxiety. Shingles brings mild to severe pain, some flu-like symptoms, and most recognizably, blisters in a line or wedge on only one side of the body. Most shingles outbreaks subside in two to three weeks.

The first signs of shingles, on the first to fourth day, are headache, upset stomach, fever, chills, and fatigue, similar to coming down with a cold or flu. By the third to fourth day, a certain body part will begin to ache, prickle, or hurt, with tender, sensitive skin accompanied by redness or a bumpy rash. This could occur on the face, torso, back, and hips, or even the neck, arms, and legs. Around the fifth day, blistering on the skin develops along a nerve, which is why the shape of the rash is always a stripe, line, or triangle. The nerve carries pain to the affected area, varying from a dull ache, to intense, shooting spasms. At this point, a physician can usually make a correct diagnosis.

From here, the blisters worsen over the next week, filling with pus and weeping. At this stage, it is important to keep the skin clean and dry, even applying compresses and wrapping the area in bandages to prevent a bacterial infection. Soon, from ten days to two weeks of the onset of shingles, the blisters will drain and scab over as they begin to heal. The pain will continue during this period, gradually lessening as the scabs diminish. Longer, more serious breakouts, especially in those with severely reduced immunity such as AIDS patients, might cause swollen lymph nodes and a continued cycle of blistering, developing postherpetic neuralgia.

While shingles usually has to run its course, you should seek immediate medical attention if the rash erupts anywhere near your eyes, ears, mouth, or nose. These extremely sensitive areas can suffer lasting damage if not treated early, even causing temporary or permanent blindness. A doctor can prescribe anti-viral and anti-bacterial medication to make the bout as mild as possible.